Mechanical Engineering

About the mechanical engineering major

Mechanical engineering is the broadest specialization within the engineering field. Mechanical engineers design and build tools and equipment. You'll conduct research in a variety of areas, from biomechanics, combustion, and computer-aided design to fluid mechanics, robotics, and stress analysis. Mechanical engineering principles are used in the design, development, and production or process of virtually everything.

Skills and abilities this major develops: creativity, comfort with computer technology, listening skills, math skills, testing and analysis, mechanical, and problem-solving skills.

Engaged learning experiences

Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IUPUI’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.

Student organizations

ET has many student organizations, which are a great way to build your skills, network, and grow as a professional.

Professional work experience

Grow your skills through internships, co-op, or part-time jobs.

Study abroad

ET has many program-specific study abroad opportunities—a great way to gain cultural competency and grow your skills.

Opportunities after graduation

Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 2% from 2021 to 2031, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 17,900 openings for mechanical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirement (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022).

According to the IUPUI First Destination Survey in 2021, the average starting salary reported for School of Engineer and Technology graduates was $58,879, and the median salary was $60,000.

The national median salary for mechanical engineers was $95,300 in 2021 (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022).

(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)

Mechanical engineers often pursue advanced degrees in the sciences, engineering, or business administration for increased opportunities. A Ph.D. is needed for teaching and research careers.

Quick facts

Sample coursework

Calculus 1, 2, and 3
Computer tools for engineering
Design of mechanisms
Dynamic systems and measurements
Heat, electricity, and optics
Mechanics of materials
Thermal fluid sciences

Possible careers

Automotive engineer
HVAC engineer
Industrial engineer
Product design engineer
Quality engineer
Robotics engineer

Where could I work?

Duke Energy
Eli Lilly and Company
Lockheed Martin
Meggitt Control System
National Satellite Technology Center
Rolls-Royce
Stanley Security

Complementing interests

IInvestigative

RRealistic

CConventional

Get your interest code

Where to get more information

Purdue School of Engineering and Technology

American Society of Mechanical Engineers

National Society of Professional Engineers

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Cluster

This major belongs to the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) cluster. The STEM cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in the sciences, technology, engineering, informatics, and computing. The STEM cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.

Learn about the STEM cluster

Learn about other clusters

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